Valoración económica ambiental de los servicios turísticos proporcionados por el PNN Gorgona por el método de Costos de Viaje

Abstract

Gorgona Island is an insular ecosystem located south of the Pacific coast of Colombia, its diverse environmental attributes make it an ideal place to conduct various scientific research in its area which, in the political division of the country is part of the department of Cauca. This work presents the economic quantification of the tourist services of this ecosystem through the Individual Travel Cost method, based on information from secondary sources within the framework of the PNN - USTA agreement, with a focus on the tourist ecosystem services provided by the island and which constitute the economic base of the region.

Tourist surveys were used to evaluate the activities that depend directly on the park's ecosystem services, such as hiking, artisanal fishing, beach enjoyment, and diving. The analysis is based on the relationship between tourists' preferences in terms of time spent on the island and the cost of accessing park services.. The individual travel cost method allows us to first economically value the ecotourism and recreation services offered by the island, using a regression analysis from the data obtained in the surveys, to estimate a direct use value for Gorgona NP, obtaining a use value of $3'455,922 COP and a direct benefit for the island of $17,502,525,600.

The intention of this project is to contribute to the economic evaluation of the natural resources present in the Gorgona National Natural Park, since a correct analysis will lead to environmental, social and sustainable policies